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You have a tooth that has been giving you trouble for a while. Maybe it aches when you chew, or you’ve noticed part of it breaking away. You suspect the decay has spread, and now you are wondering what comes next. Is there still a chance to keep the tooth, or will it need to be removed?
In this blog, we outline the factors that influence whether a tooth can be saved, the procedures that may restore it, and what to expect if removal becomes the best option.
Table of Contents
- When Tooth Decay Spreads Deep
- Dental Procedures That Can Save a Decayed Tooth
- When Is a Tooth Too Far Gone to Save?
- Book a Consultation in Deer Park, IL
- FAQs
Key Takeaway
A badly decayed tooth does not always need to be pulled. If enough healthy structure remains and infection is controlled, your general dentist can often save it with a combination of restorative treatments. But if damage is too extensive, removing the tooth may be the best step to protect your overall dental health and prevent more serious dental problems.
When Tooth Decay Spreads Deep
Tooth decay is progressive. It starts in the outer tooth enamel and moves inward toward the soft pulp inside. If caught early, decay can be reversed or removed with minimal treatment. But once bacteria reach the tooth pulp, the damage becomes more serious.
At this stage, you may still be able to save the tooth, but only if there is enough healthy tooth structure left and the surrounding bone and gum tissue are stable. This is why timely diagnosis, good oral hygiene, and routine dental check-ups matter so much.
Treatment depends on:
- How much of the tooth remains: If your general dentist sees enough solid structure left above the gumline, the tooth can likely be rebuilt with restorative care such as a dental crown or inlay.
- Whether the nerve is infected: If decay has reached the pulp, root canal therapy will be needed to remove the infection before rebuilding.
- Bone support and gum health: A tooth cannot survive without strong bone and healthy gums. If advanced gum disease or a tooth abscess is present, it affects the decision.
Dental Procedures That Can Save a Decayed Tooth
Saving a decayed tooth involves removing the bacteria and reinforcing the structure so it can function again without pain or risk of reinfection.
Fillings
If decay is shallow and has not touched the pulp, your dentist can remove the decayed portion and replace it with a composite resin dental filling. This restores shape and function without affecting the nerve and strengthens the remaining tooth structure.
Root Canal Therapy
When decay reaches the pulp, the infection must be removed from inside the tooth. Root canal therapy clears out the infected tissue, disinfects the canal, and seals it from future damage. This allows the natural tooth to stay in place and prevents the spread of dental problems.
Root canal treatment is often the last line of defense before extraction. It preserves the tooth roots, which keep your bite aligned.
Dental Crowns
When decay leaves a tooth weak or fragile, a dental crown can provide full coverage and protection. The crown fits over the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and ability to withstand normal chewing forces while preventing further damage.
Inlays or Onlays
For teeth with moderate damage that is too extensive for a filling but not severe enough for a full crown, inlays and onlays provide a precise, custom fit. These restorations rebuild the biting surface and strengthen the tooth while preserving as much healthy structure as possible.
When Is a Tooth Too Far Gone to Save?
Sometimes, no treatment can rebuild the tooth. In those cases, saving it would only delay the inevitable and risk more serious infection.
Your dentist may recommend extraction if:
- The tooth is broken at or below the gumline, leaving no structure for a crown or filling to hold onto.
- There is widespread decay with almost no healthy tooth left.
- The tooth is loose due to bone loss from gum disease.
- An infection has caused a tooth abscess and damaged the surrounding bone.
In most cases, your dentist can remove the tooth, but they may refer you to an oral surgeon if the tooth is severely impacted, fractured below the gumline, close to a nerve or sinus, or if you require sedation beyond what a general dental office can provide.
Tooth Replacement Options
If a tooth must be removed, replacing it is the key to restoring both function and appearance and an oral surgeon is uniquely qualified to guide you through that process.
At Oral Facial & Implant Specialists, we combine advanced surgical training with restorative expertise to provide solutions that protect your oral health and give you lasting results.
We perform extractions and tooth replacement in the same practice, which means you can receive every phase of care in one place. If needed, we can perform bone grafting to strengthen the jaw before implant placement, offer multiple sedation options for your comfort, and use advanced imaging technology to ensure precision at every step.
Our tooth replacement options include:
- Dental implants: Titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone to act as artificial roots. Implants help preserve bone health, look and feel like natural teeth, and restore full chewing function. In many cases, we can place the implant immediately after extraction to shorten treatment time.
- Dental bridges: Fixed restorations that use neighboring teeth for support, providing a reliable option when an implant is not ideal.
- Partial dentures: Custom-made, removable appliances for patients missing multiple teeth, designed for comfort and a natural appearance.
Your surgeon will review each option in detail, explain what to expect during recovery, and recommend the best plan for your needs, goals, and budget—so you leave with a clear path toward a fully restored smile.
Meet Our Surgeons: Dr. J. Travis Thompson & Dr. Stephen Martin.
Book a Consultation in Deer Park, IL
Healthy teeth and gums start with the right plan. At Oral Facial & Implant Specialists, we are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and provide the care you need to move forward with confidence.
To book a wisdom teeth evaluation at our oral surgeons office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or visit us at 21660 W. Field Parkway, Suite 220, Deer Park, IL.
FAQs
Many decayed teeth can be saved, especially if treated early. Fillings, root canal treatment, dental sealants, or crowns can restore a tooth if enough healthy structure remains. Fluoride treatments and fluoride toothpaste also help strengthen enamel and prevent future damage.
A tooth is beyond saving when decay has destroyed most of its structure, extended under the gum, or led to infection and bone loss. If it cannot support a crown or filling, or if there is a large abscess, your dentist may recommend removal.
If you are in the Deer Park, IL area, our team at Oral Facial & Implant Specialists can help. We specialize in evaluating severely damaged teeth and will walk you through all your treatment options, from saving the tooth to tooth extraction and replacement options when necessary.
